Swissport has strengthened its cargo handling network in Africa with the opening of a new temperature-controlled facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
The 630-square-metre facility is designed to support East Africa’s growing perishables export market, providing exporters, airlines and freight forwarders with expanded cold chain capacity and modern infrastructure for temperature-sensitive cargo.
The facility is already operational and has been developed to serve exporters across Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, one of East Africa’s key horticultural production regions. It also replaces the airport’s previous cargo facility, which had been in operation since 1998.
Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa & India and Global Cargo Chair at Swissport, said the investment demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to Tanzania and strengthens its cargo network in an important export region.
The facility includes four temperature-controlled chillers and one freezer, supporting storage temperatures from +2°C to +25°C, as well as frozen storage between -10°C and -20°C.
With an annual handling capacity of up to 13,000 tonnes, the facility can accommodate up to 36 built-up cargo pallets, representing approximately 180 tonnes of cargo.
The additional capacity will support the handling of a range of perishables, including flowers, fresh produce, seafood and meat, as well as pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive shipments.
Digital technology strengthens cargo visibility
Swissport has equipped the facility with a range of digital technologies designed to improve cargo processing and traceability.
These include an Integrated Weighing System connected to Swissport’s cargo management platform, mobile cargo scanning and automated cargo tracking. The technology is intended to provide greater shipment visibility while enabling faster and more efficient cargo processing.
Sustainability has also been incorporated into the facility’s operations, with approximately 90% of ground support equipment powered by electricity. The facility also uses energy-efficient LED lighting and is certified to the ISO 14001 environmental management standard.
The Kilimanjaro investment forms part of Swissport’s wider strategy to expand specialist cargo infrastructure at key African air cargo gateways.
The new operation complements Swissport’s existing cargo activities in Dar es Salaam and its wider African network, which includes major gateways such as Johannesburg, Nairobi and Accra.
Globally, Swissport operates more than 120 cargo centres, providing airlines and freight forwarders with cargo handling, specialist services and cold chain capabilities across international trade routes.
In Tanzania, Swissport handles general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, express freight, e-commerce shipments and other specialist cargo, further positioning Kilimanjaro as an important gateway for the region’s growing export sector.